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Learning Styles and Corporate Training

Charlotte Wenham, Western Michigan University
Raymond E. Alie, Western Michigan University

This study attempts to verify if occupational groups demonstrate distinct learning styles and learning context preferences, and to assess the implication of any systematic differences for corporate training. Subjects were 140 members of seven occupational groups from a support component of a Fortune 500 firm. Data on learning styles were gathered using the Gregorc Style Delineator (GSD) and the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey […]

American Competitiveness: Dysfunctional Stakeholder Communications

Stephen L. Payne, Eastern Illinois University
Robert A. Giacalone, University of Richmond

Among the factors contributing to competitiveness problems for many American firms is the presence of excessive and inaccurate self-presentations and resulting defensive communication routines among managers in these firms. Suggestions are provided to identify and reduce conduct leading to these dysfunctional tendencies, but caution is urged in recognizing the difficulties and potential ethical dilemmas that may occur in trying to resolve these problems. […]

The Organizational Effectiveness Menu: A Device for Stakeholder Assessment

Kenneth L Kraft, University of Tampa
Lawrence R. Jauch, Northeast Louisiana University

A procedure to assess organizational effectiveness is proposed in this paper. An OE “menu” of options is set out by which organizational performance can be measured. By using such a menu, managers’ decision making, planning, and communicating with internal and external constituencies can be enhanced. download .pdf

Evidence of Auditing as a Deterrent to Financial Reporting Irregularities

Arnold Schneider, Georgia Institute of Technology
Neil Wilner, University of North Texas

This article investigates the impact of auditing on the commission of financial reporting irregularities by managers. We also examine whether the deterrent effect of auditing is affected by individual demographics. An experiment, using three case scenarios, was employed. Our findings indicated that auditing had a strong deterrent effect when the following conditions were present: material […]

Small Business Consultants: Improving the Delivery of Outside Assistance

W. Calvin Fields, Western Illinois University

A review of the literature was conducted for the period of 1976 through 1989 in an effort to identify the most effective outside services that small business consultants could use to assist their clients. Results of the review showed that small business consultants provide services that are very effective in improving business performance. In addition, […]

Franchising: A Growth Strategy for the 1990’s

John F. Preble, University of Delaware

The strategy of franchising has become an increasingly important growth option for firms operating in today’s highly competitive marketplace. This paper describes the present status of franchising and provides managers with practical, strategic guidance on its use. Three general forms of franchising have emerged which can be employed by the franchiser depending upon company objectives. […]

Electronic Coupons: A Double-Barreled Sales Promotion Technique

Darvin R. Hoffman, Texas A&T University
Allen F. Ketcham, Texas A&T University
Frank A. Taylor III, Texas A&T University

The use of coupons as a sales promotion technique is not new; manufacturers have been offering cents-off coupons to customers for over a century. Now, electronic coupons may become the leading edge of a new wave of sales promotion techniques for the 90’s. How much of an impact that wave will make when it hits […]

The Computerization of Record Systems: A Study of Selected Businesses

Carol A. Lundgren, Eastern Illinois University
Terry D. Lundgren, Eastern Illinois University

This research seeks to determine the extent and direction of computerization of records systems in businesses with identifiable records departments. The data collection methodology was on-site interviews and inspection of facilities in ten businesses selected from cities with populations of more than 100,000 in the western United States. The findings indicate that records managers are […]

Decision Analysis at the Crossroads

Jayavel Sounderpandian, University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Empirically observed violations of traditional expected utility theory have prompted several new theories, putting the future of decision analysis at the crossroads. This essay describes the current status of the literature through selected examples of decision making scenarios. It concludes that if all relevant consequences of all alternatives are included in the analysis, then expected […]